Sinn Féin’s Mental Health Action Plan can be read here:
https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sinn-Fein-Mental-Health-Plan-2024.pdf
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called for better services for people experiencing crisis mental health difficulties.
Deputy Ward was speaking following the publication of Sinn Féin’s Mental Health Action Plan last week.
Teachta Ward said:
“Mental health difficulties do not just occur between the hours of 9-5, Monday to Friday. People in crisis often turn to A&E for help. This is not always the most appropriate place for someone in crisis.
“Last week, Sinn Féin launched our Mental Health Action Plan where we focused on key issues for crisis intervention.
“What we need is 24/7 care. This can consist of community-based multidisciplinary services to provide rapid assessment and varying degrees of support to people who are in a mental health crisis.
“Our cities need to be resourced with crisis cafés, places where medical professionals are based within the community.
“We also need services for when a person is a danger to themselves or others. I have highlighted the positive impacts that a pilot programme for a crisis de-escalation team was in Belfast several years ago and have called for similar teams to be available across the state.
“The teams can be deployed to assist the Gardaí where necessary and appropriate. These teams would comprise mental health professionals and a paramedic. These professionals can make the most appropriate interventions and referrals where necessary.
“A pilot programme in Limerick has been promised for the last two years but has not been delivered. This must now be prioritised.
“If a person does need to access the emergency department in mental health crisis, then Sinn Féin would fund liaison psychiatrists in each ED around the state.
“A priority of ours is to fund the National Clinical Programme for Suicide Intervention, which has not received new funding for several years.
“Sinn Féin have a vision and plan for delivering crisis intervention, and we will deliver this if in government.”
Sinn Féin’s Mental Health Action Plan can be read here:
https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sinn-Fein-Mental-Health-Plan-2024.pdf
